Heater, heater module, and fluid heating device

Abstract

To provide a heater, a heater module, and a fluid heating device capable of achieving miniaturization and improvement of fluid heating efficiency.SOLUTION: A heater according to an embodiment is a heater that contacts a flowing fluid. The heater includes a base portion having a plate shape and extending in a first direction, a heat generating portion provided on the base portion and extending in the first direction, a protective portion covering the heat generating portion, a terminal electrically connected to the heat generating portion and exposed from the protective portion, an external wiring electrically connected to the terminal, and a first sealing portion covering the terminal and a connection portion between the terminal and the external wiring and having an insulating property.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention relate to heaters, heater modules, and fluid heating devices. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There are heaters that heat fluids such as air and water. Heaters that heat fluids are provided, for example, in hot air devices that heat air and in hot water devices that heat water.

[0003] One such heater proposed is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater. When a current flows through a PTC heater, the temperature of the PTC heater rises in accordance with the magnitude of the current. When the temperature of the PTC heater exceeds the Curie temperature, the resistance of the PTC heater increases, making it difficult for current to flow through the PTC heater, and the temperature rise of the PTC heater is suppressed. When the temperature of the PTC heater drops due to the suppression of the temperature rise of the PTC heater, current flows more easily through the PTC heater, and the temperature of the PTC heater rises again. Therefore, the use of a PTC heater allows for self-control of the heating temperature.

[0004] However, the heat generated in the PTC heater is transferred to the fluid via heat exchange fins. Because the heat exchange fins are made of multiple plates arranged three-dimensionally, the use of PTC heaters makes it difficult to miniaturize the device. Another problem is that the fluid is indirectly heated via the heat exchange fins, making it difficult to improve the fluid heating efficiency.

[0005] Therefore, there has been a demand for the development of a technology that can achieve miniaturization and improve the efficiency of heating the fluid. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-054934 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a heater, a heater module, and a fluid heating device that can be made smaller and have improved fluid heating efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A heater according to an embodiment is a heater that comes into contact with a flowing fluid and includes a plate-shaped base extending in a first direction, a heat generating portion provided on the base and extending in the first direction, a protective portion covering the heat generating portion, terminals electrically connected to the heat generating portion and exposed from the protective portion, external wiring electrically connected to the terminals, and an insulating first sealing portion covering the terminals and the connection portions between the terminals and the external wiring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide a heater, a heater module, and a fluid heating device that can be made smaller and have improved fluid heating efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating the heater according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater in the direction of line AA in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater in the direction of line BB in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater in the direction of line CC in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater in FIG. 6 taken along the line DD. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a heater module according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid heating device according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, like components are designated by like reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0012] In addition, arrows X, Y, and Z in each figure represent directions that are perpendicular to one another. For example, the X direction (corresponding to an example of a first direction) can be the longitudinal direction (length direction) of the heater 1. For example, the Y direction can be the lateral direction (width direction) of the heater 1. For example, the Z direction can be the thickness direction of the heater 1.

[0013] (heater) The heater 1 according to this embodiment comes into contact with a flowing fluid and heats the fluid. The fluid may be, for example, a gas (e.g., air) contained in the environment in which the heater 1 is installed, or a liquid such as water or a solution (e.g., coolant liquid). However, the type of fluid is not limited to those exemplified.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater 1 in FIG. 1 taken along the line AA. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater 1 in FIG. 1 taken along the line BB. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the heater 1 includes, for example, a base portion 10, an insulating portion 20, a heat generating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, a protective portion 50, a sealing portion 60 (corresponding to an example of a first sealing portion), and external wiring 70.

[0015] Here, the insulating section 20, the heat generating section 30, the wiring section 40, the protective section 50, and the sealing section 60 can be provided, for example, on one side of the base 10, or on both sides of the base 10. In this case, if the heat generating section 30, the wiring section 40, the protective section 50, and the sealing section 60 are provided on both sides of the base 10, the amount of heat generated can be increased. Therefore, for example, the processing capacity of the fluid heating device 200 described below can be improved.

[0016] In the following, as an example, the case where the insulating portion 20, the heat generating portion 30, the wiring portion 40, the protective portion 50, and the sealing portion 60 are provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10 is illustrated, but the insulating portion 20, the heat generating portion 30, the wiring portion 40, the protective portion 50, and the sealing portion 60 can be provided on at least either the surface 10a side of the base 10 or the surface 10b side of the base 10.

[0017] The base 10 is plate-shaped and has a surface 10a and a surface 10b opposite to the surface 10a. The base 10 extends in the X direction. The shape of the base 10 as viewed from the Z direction is, for example, rectangular. The shape of the base 10 as viewed from the Z direction can be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of a container 201 of the fluid heating device 200, which will be described later. For example, the shape of the base 10 as viewed from the Z direction may be an oval, an ellipse, a portion of an oval or an ellipse, a polygon, or a portion of a polygon.

[0018] The dimensions of the base 10 in the X and Y directions (length and width of the base 10) can be changed as appropriate depending on the dimensions of the container 201 of the fluid heating device 200 (described later) in which the heater 1 is provided, the number of heat generating units 30, the dimensions of the heat generating units 30 in the X and Y directions, etc. The dimension of the base 10 in the Z direction (thickness of the base 10) can be changed as appropriate depending on the force applied to the heater 1 when the fluid 300 flows inside the container 201, etc.

[0019] The base 10 is made of a heat-resistant material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the base 10 can be made of a metal such as stainless steel or an aluminum alloy, or an inorganic material such as ceramics.

[0020] Here, the thermal conductivity of metal is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics. Therefore, if the base 10 is made of metal, the time required for the heater 1 to heat up can be shortened. Furthermore, the rigidity of metal is higher than that of inorganic materials such as ceramics. Therefore, if the base 10 is made of metal, the rigidity of the heater 1 can be improved. As a result, damage to the heater 1 can be suppressed when the fluid 300 flows inside the container 201, for example.

[0021] On the other hand, inorganic materials such as ceramics generally have insulating properties. Therefore, if the base 10 is made of an inorganic material, the insulating part 20, which will be described later, can be omitted. For example, if the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the heat generating part 30 and the wiring part 40 can be provided directly on the base 10. Furthermore, if the base 10 is made of an insulating material, it is possible to prevent short circuits and electrical leakage even when the fluid 300 having electrical conductivity is heated.

[0022] 1 to 3 includes a base 10 containing metal. Therefore, an insulating portion 20 is provided between the heat generating portion 30 and the wiring portion 40 and the base 10.

[0023] The insulating portion 20 is provided, for example, on the surface 10a of the base 10. The insulating portion 20 insulates the conductive base 10 from the heat generating portion 30 and the wiring portion 40. Therefore, the insulating portion 20 covers at least the area of ​​the surface 10a of the base 10 where the heat generating portion 30 and the wiring portion 40 are provided. The thickness of the insulating portion 20 is not particularly limited as long as insulation can be ensured. The insulating portion 20 is formed from a material that is heat resistant and insulating. The insulating portion 20 can be formed from, for example, ceramics or glass materials. The insulating portion 20 can be formed, for example, by thermal spraying or firing.

[0024] The heat generating section 30 converts applied power into heat (Joule heat). For example, the heat generating section 30 is linear and extends in the X direction. The electrical resistance per unit length of the heat generating section 30 can be approximately uniform in the X direction or can vary. For example, the electrical resistance per unit length of the heat generating section 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is approximately uniform in the X direction. For example, the dimension (width) of the heat generating section 30 in the Y direction and the dimension (thickness) in the Z direction are approximately constant. To change the electrical resistance per unit length of the heat generating section 30, it is sufficient to change at least one of the width and the thickness.

[0025] In the heater 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, eight heat generating portions 30 are provided on the surface 10a of the base 10, but at least one heat generating portion 30 can be provided on at least one of the surface 10a of the base 10 and the surface 10b of the base 10. When multiple heat generating portions 30 are provided, the multiple heat generating portions 30 can be arranged side by side at a predetermined interval in the Y direction. When multiple heat generating portions 30 are provided, the heat generating portions 30 may have the same length, width, and thickness, or at least one of the length, width, and thickness of the heat generating portions 30 may be different. In the heater 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the eight heat generating portions 30 have the same length, width, and thickness.

[0026] Furthermore, when heat generating sections 30 are provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10 and the surface 10b side of the base 10, the number, arrangement, length, width, and thickness of the heat generating sections 30 provided on the surface 10b side of the base 10 may be the same as or different from the number, arrangement, length, width, and thickness of the heat generating sections 30 provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10.

[0027] The number, arrangement, length, width and thickness of the heat generating portions 30 can be changed as appropriate depending on the amount of heat generated by the heater 1.

[0028] The heat generating portion 30 can be formed using, for example, ruthenium oxide (RuO), a silver-palladium (Ag-Pd) alloy, a silver-platinum (Ag-Pt) alloy, or the like. The heat generating portion 30 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating portion 20 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the paste using a method such as baking. When the base 10 is formed from an insulating material, the heat generating portion 30 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material to the base 10 using a method such as screen printing, and then curing the paste using a method such as baking.

[0029] The wiring portion 40 is provided on the base portion 10 via the insulating portion 20. If the base portion 10 is made of an insulating material, the wiring portion 40 can be provided directly on the base portion 10.

[0030] The wiring section 40 includes, for example, a terminal 41, a wire 42, and a wire 43. The terminals 41 are electrically connected to the heat generating portion 30. For example, a pair of terminals 41 may be provided. For example, the terminals 41 may be provided near an end of the base 10. In the heater 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, a pair of terminals 41 is provided near one end of the base 10 in the X direction. Note that a terminal 41 may also be provided near each of both end portions of the base 10 in the X direction. However, if the pair of terminals 41 are provided near one end of the base 10 in the X direction, it is possible to reduce the space required for providing the external wiring 70 around the heater 1 and to facilitate the wiring work of the external wiring 70.

[0031] The wiring 42 is provided, for example, to connect a plurality of heat generating parts 30 in series, in parallel, or in series-parallel. In Fig. 1, eight heat generating parts 30 are connected in series by seven wirings 42. Note that when one heat generating part 30 is provided, the wiring 42 can be omitted.

[0032] The wiring 43 is provided to electrically connect the pair of terminals 41 and the heat generating portion 30. Therefore, if the pair of terminals 41 are directly connected to the heat generating portion 30, the wiring 43 can be omitted. However, as long as the wiring 43 is provided, the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 can be changed as desired. Therefore, it becomes easy to set the arrangement of the pair of terminals 41 taking into consideration the wiring space around the heater 1, the workability of the wiring work, and the like.

[0033] Furthermore, when the heat generating portion 30 is provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10 and on the surface 10b side of the base 10, the wiring 43 provided on the surface 10a side of the base 10 and the wiring 43 provided on the surface 10b side of the base 10 can be electrically connected, for example, via a conductive via that penetrates the base 10 in the Z direction.

[0034] The terminals 41, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 are formed using a material containing, for example, silver or copper. For example, the terminals 41, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 can be formed by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating portion 20 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like. Note that, when the base 10 is formed from an insulating material, the terminals 41, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 can be formed by applying a paste-like material to the base 10 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like.

[0035] The protective part 50 is provided on the base 10, for example, via the insulating part 20. The protective part 50 covers the heat generating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43. The terminal 41 is exposed from the protective part 50. Note that, when the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the protective part 50 is provided directly on the base 10 and covers the heat generating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43.

[0036] The protective section 50 has, for example, the function of insulating the heat generating section 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43, the function of transferring the heat generated in the heat generating section 30 to the outside, and the function of protecting the heat generating section 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 from external forces and the fluid 300 to be heated.

[0037] The protective part 50 is formed from a material that is heat-resistant and insulating, and has high chemical stability and thermal conductivity. The protective part 50 is formed from, for example, a glass material. In this case, the protective part 50 can also be formed using a glass material to which a filler containing a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum oxide, has been added. The thermal conductivity of the glass material to which the filler has been added can be, for example, 2 [W / (m·K)] or more. The thickness of the protective part 50 can be, for example, approximately 20 μm to 80 μm.

[0038] The protective part 50 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating part 20, the heating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like. When the base part 10 is formed from an insulating material, the protective part 50 can be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the base part 10, the heating part 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 using a screen printing method or the like, and then curing the paste-like material using a baking method or the like.

[0039] The heater 1 may further include a detection unit that detects the temperature of at least one of the fluid 300 and the heat generating unit 30. The detection unit may be, for example, a thermistor. The thermistor may be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material onto the insulating unit 20 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the material using a baking method or the like. If the base 10 is made of an insulating material, the detection unit may be formed, for example, by applying a paste-like material to the base 10 using a screen printing method or the like and then curing the material using a baking method or the like. The thermistor material may include, for example, manganese and cobalt, and at least one of copper and nickel.

[0040] A wiring section electrically connected to the detection section may be provided. The wiring section may have terminals and wiring, similar to the wiring section 40 described above. In this case, the protection section 50 may cover the detection section and wiring. The terminals may be exposed from the protection section 50.

[0041] Here, when the fluid 300 is supplied to the heater 1 from the Z direction, the fluid 300 that comes into contact with the heater 1 flows out from the end sides of the heater 1 in the X and Y directions into a space on the opposite side of the heater 1 from the side to which the fluid 300 was supplied. In this case, if the dimensions of the heater 1 in the X and Y directions are long, it may be difficult to supply the heated fluid 300 to the space facing the heater 1 in the Z direction, or temperature variations may occur in the space.

[0042] In such a case, the heater 1 may further be provided with a communication hole 80, as shown in Fig. 1. The communication hole 80 may, for example, penetrate the base 10, the insulating part 20, and the protective part 50 in the Z direction. Note that if the insulating part 20 is not provided, the communication hole 80 may, for example, penetrate the base 10 and the protective part 50 in the Z direction.

[0043] If the flow holes 80 are provided, it becomes easier to form a flow of the fluid 300 passing through the heater 1 in the Z direction, and the heated fluid 300 becomes easier to supply to the space facing the heater 1 in the Z direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the flow rate of the heated fluid 300 flowing in the space from becoming insufficient and the temperature variation from occurring in the space.

[0044] The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the through holes 80 can be changed as appropriate depending on the dimensions of the heater 1 in the X and Y directions.

[0045] Furthermore, there are cases where the fluid 300 is supplied to the heater 1 from at least one of the X direction and the Y direction. In such cases, the heater 1 may not have the flow holes 80, or the heater 1 may have the flow holes 80.

[0046] Here, the fluid 300 in contact with the heater 1 may be conductive. Also, the gas in contact with the heater 1 may contain water vapor or the like. When the gas contains water vapor or the like, condensation may occur on the surface of the heater 1 or the like. As described above, the heat generating unit 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43 are covered by the protective unit 50 having insulating properties. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the conductive fluid 300, water generated by condensation, and the like from coming into contact with the heat generating unit 30, the wiring 42, and the wiring 43.

[0047] However, as described above, the pair of terminals 41 are exposed from the protective portion 50. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 1, the pair of terminals 41 are electrically connected to the external wiring 70 by, for example, soldering, etc. The external wiring 70 electrically connected to the pair of terminals 41 is electrically connected to the controller 203, which will be described later, etc.

[0048] In this case, if the pair of terminals 41 or the connection portion between the terminals 41 and the external wiring 70 are exposed, they may come into contact with the conductive fluid 300, water generated by condensation, etc. In such a case, a short circuit or leakage may occur at the pair of terminals 41 or the connection portion between the terminals 41 and the external wiring 70, or these may corrode, or the connection portion between the terminals 41 and the external wiring 70 may corrode and cause the external wiring 70 to fall off.

[0049] Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the heater 1 according to this embodiment is provided with a sealing portion 60. The sealing portion 60 covers the wiring portion 40 exposed from the protective portion 50. For example, the sealing portion 60 covers the terminal 41 and the connection portion between the terminal 41 and the external wiring 70. The sealing portion 60 can be formed from a material that is insulating, heat-resistant, and resistant to the fluid 300. Furthermore, the sealing portion 60 is provided so as to cover the terminal 41 and the connection portion between the terminal 41 and the external wiring 70 after the external wiring 70 is connected to the terminal 41. For this reason, it is preferable that the sealing portion 60 be formed by a simple method.

[0050] For example, the sealing portion 60 can be formed using a silicone resin. For example, the sealing portion 60 can be formed as follows. First, softened silicone resin is applied so as to cover the terminals 41 and the connection portions between the terminals 41 and the external wiring 70. Next, the applied silicone resin is heated in an atmosphere of about 100°C to 150°C to harden, thereby forming the sealing portion 60. In this way, the sealing portion 60 having insulating properties, heat resistance, and resistance to the fluid 300 can be formed by a simple method.

[0051] As described above, the heater 1 according to this embodiment includes a plate-shaped base 10, and an insulating section 20, a heat generating section 30, a wiring section 40, and a protective section 50, which are laminated on at least one of the surfaces 10a and 10b of the base 10. This allows the heater 1 to be made smaller. As will be described later, the heater 1 is provided inside the container 201 of the fluid heating device 200, and directly heats the fluid 300 that comes into contact with the heater 1. This allows for improved heating efficiency of the fluid 300 compared to when the fluid 300 is indirectly heated via heat exchange fins or the like.

[0052] That is, the heater 1 according to this embodiment can be made smaller and the efficiency of heating the fluid 300 can be improved.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 1a according to another embodiment. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater 1a in FIG. 4 taken along line CC. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the heater 1a includes, for example, a base 10, an insulating portion 20, a heat generating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, a protective portion 50, and a sealing portion 60a (which corresponds to an example of a first sealing portion).

[0054] Similar to the sealing portion 60 described above, the sealing portion 60a covers the wiring portion 40 exposed from the protective portion 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the sealing portion 60a covers the terminal 41 and the connection portion between the terminal 41 and the external wiring 70.

[0055] 5, the sealing portion 60a covers the vicinity of the end of the surface 10a of the base 10 on which the pair of terminals 41 is provided, and the vicinity of the end of the surface 10b of the base 10 on which the pair of terminals 41 is provided. In this way, the vicinity of the end of the base 10 on which the pair of terminals 41 is provided is covered by the sealing portion 60a, so that peeling or falling off of the sealing portion 60a can be prevented.

[0056] The material and forming method of the sealing portion 60a can be the same as the material and forming method of the above-described sealing portion 60. For example, when applying the above-described silicone resin, the silicone resin may be applied up to the vicinity of the end of the surface 10b of the base 10 on which the pair of terminals 41 are provided.

[0057] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view illustrating a heater 1b according to another embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the heater 1b in FIG. 6 taken along the line DD. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the heater 1b includes, for example, a base 10, an insulating portion 20, a heat generating portion 30, a wiring portion 40, a protective portion 50, and a sealing portion 60b (which corresponds to an example of a first sealing portion).

[0058] Similar to the sealing portion 60 described above, the sealing portion 60b covers the wiring portion 40 exposed from the protective portion 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sealing portion 60b covers the terminal 41 and the connection portion between the terminal 41 and the external wiring 70.

[0059] Furthermore, a hole 10c penetrating the base 10 in the Z direction is provided in the region covered by the sealing portion 60b. When the insulating portion 20 is provided, a hole 20a penetrating the insulating portion 20 in the Z direction is provided. When viewed from the Z direction, the holes 10c and 20a overlap. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, a protrusion 60b1 is provided inside the holes 10c and 20a. The protrusion 60b1 can be formed integrally with the sealing portion 60b. In this case, the tip of the protrusion 60b1 can also be provided on the surface 10b of the base 10 near the periphery of the opening of the hole 10c. If the protrusion 60b1 is provided, it is possible to prevent the sealing portion 60b from peeling off or falling off.

[0060] The material and forming method of the sealing portion 60b can be the same as the material and forming method of the sealing portion 60 described above. For example, when applying the silicone resin described above, the silicone resin may also be supplied to the hole 10c of the base 10. When the insulating portion 20 is provided, the silicone resin may also be supplied to the hole 20a of the insulating portion 20 and the hole 10c of the base 10.

[0061] At least one protrusion 60b1 can be provided. The number, size, arrangement, etc. of the protrusions 60b1 can be changed as appropriate depending on the dimensions of the area of ​​the base 10 where the terminals 41 are provided.

[0062] Furthermore, the sealing portion 60a and the protruding portion 60b1 may be combined together. For example, the sealing portion 60a may be provided with the protruding portion 60b1.

[0063] (heater module) In one embodiment of the present invention, a heater module 100 can be provided that includes a heater 1. The above description of the heater 1 and variations of the heater 1 (for example, heaters 1a and 1b, and heaters that have been modified by a person skilled in the art to add, delete, or change components as appropriate, but that still have the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the heater module 100.

[0064] In the following, as an example, a case where three heaters 1 are provided will be described. However, the number of heaters 1 is not limited to this. At least one heater 1 needs to be provided. Furthermore, although the example has been given where multiple heaters 1 are arranged side by side with a predetermined gap between them in the Z direction, multiple heaters 1 can also be arranged side by side with a predetermined gap between them in the Y direction, for example.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the heater module 100 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the heater module 100 includes a heater 1, a holder 101, and a sealing portion 102 (which corresponds to an example of a second sealing portion).

[0066] A pair of holders 101 can be provided. The holder 101 has a recess 101a that opens to an end in the X direction. The recess 101a accommodates the vicinity of the end of the heater 1. That is, the holder 101 has the recess 101a that accommodates the vicinity of the end of the heater 1 in the X direction. A hole is provided in the bottom surface of the recess 101a for drawing out the external wiring 70. Note that when the external wiring 70 is provided on one end side of the heater 1, the hole for drawing out the external wiring 70 only needs to be provided in one of the holders 101.

[0067] Furthermore, when multiple heaters 1 are provided, a partition plate can be provided inside the recess 101a to separate the heaters 1. If a partition plate is provided inside the recess 101a, it becomes easy to arrange the multiple heaters 1 parallel to each other. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the size of the gaps between the heaters 1. As a result, it is possible to suppress variations in the flow rate of the fluid 300 passing through the gaps between the heaters 1 and variations in the temperature of the fluid 300.

[0068] The holder 101 can be made of a material that is insulating, heat-resistant, and resistant to the fluid 300. The holder 101 can be made of an inorganic material such as ceramics, or a resin such as a fluororesin.

[0069] The sealing portion 102 is provided inside the recess 101a that houses the vicinity of the end of the heater 1. The sealing portion 102 connects the holder 101 and the vicinity of the end of the heater 1 in a liquid-tight manner. The sealing portion 102 can be formed, for example, by filling the interior of the recess 101a that houses the vicinity of the end of the heater 1 with resin. The material of the sealing portion 102 can be the same as the material of the sealing portions 60, 60a, and 60b described above. For example, the material of the sealing portion 102 can be silicone resin. Furthermore, the sealing portions 60, 60a, and 60b described above and the sealing portion 102 can be provided integrally. For example, when the sealing portion 102 is formed, portions that function as the sealing portions 60, 60a, and 60b can be formed.

[0070] (Fluid heating device) In one embodiment of the present invention, a fluid heating device 200 including a heater module 100 can be provided. The above-described descriptions of the heater module 100 and heaters 1, 1a, and 1b, as well as variations thereof (e.g., those in which a person skilled in the art appropriately adds, deletes, or modifies components and which still retain the features of the present invention) can all be applied to the fluid heating device 200.

[0071] In the following, as an example, a case where one heater module 100 is provided will be described. However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of heater modules 100. Furthermore, instead of the heater module 100, or together with the heater module 100, heaters 1, 1a, and 1b can also be provided.

[0072] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid heating device 200 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the fluid heating device 200 includes, for example, the heater module 100, a container 201, a supply unit 202, and a controller 203.

[0073] The container 201 has a space therein through which the fluid 300 flows. There are no particular limitations on the external shape of the container 201. For example, the external shape of the container 201 may be a rectangular parallelepiped, a cylinder, a prism, a sphere, or the like. The external shape of the container 201 illustrated in FIG. 9 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The container 201 may also be bent or curved. The external shape of the container 201 can be changed as appropriate depending on the environment in which the container 201 is installed.

[0074] A supply pipe 201a is provided at one end in the X direction of the container 201. A discharge pipe 201b is provided at the other end in the X direction of the container 201. The supply pipe 201a and the discharge pipe 201b face each other. For example, the central axis of the discharge pipe 201b can be positioned on an extension of the central axis of the supply pipe 201a.

[0075] At least one heater module 100 is provided inside the container 201. Therefore, the heater module 100 is immersed in the fluid 300 flowing inside the container 201. If the heater module 100 is immersed in the fluid 300, the heat generated in the heater 1 (1a, 1b) can be directly transferred to the fluid 300, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the fluid 300.

[0076] Furthermore, in the heater module 100, the plurality of heaters 1 (1a, 1b) are arranged parallel to one another, so that the fluid 300 flows smoothly between the plurality of heaters 1 (1a, 1b). This makes it possible to prevent an increase in flow path resistance inside the container 201, resulting in a decrease in the processing flow rate, and to prevent the fluid 300 from stagnating and causing dust and other particles contained in the fluid 300 to adhere to the inside of the container 201.

[0077] The supply unit 202 is connected to a supply pipe 201a of the container 201 via piping or the like. The supply unit 202 supplies the fluid 300 into the container 201. When the fluid 300 is a liquid, the supply unit 202 includes, for example, a tank 202a and a pump 202b. The tank 202a stores the fluid 300. The pump 202b supplies the fluid 300 stored in the tank 202a to the inside of the container 201 via the supply pipe 201a. An opening / closing valve, a flow rate adjusting valve, or the like can be provided between the pump 202b and the supply pipe 201a.

[0078] Instead of the tank 202a and the pump 202b, factory piping or the like can be connected to the supply pipe 201a of the container 201.

[0079] Furthermore, when the fluid 300 is a gas, a blower or other air blowing device can be provided in place of the tank 202a and the pump 202b.

[0080] The controller 203 controls the operation of each element provided in the fluid heating device 200. The controller 203 may include, for example, a computer, a temperature control device, a power supply, and the like.

[0081] For example, based on a signal from a detection unit provided in the heater 1 (1a, 1b), the controller 203 controls the current applied to the heat generating unit 30 and, consequently, the temperature of the fluid 300. For example, the controller 203 controls the pump 202b, blower, etc. provided in the supply unit 202 to control the flow rate of the fluid 300 supplied into the container 201 and, consequently, the flow rate of the heated fluid 300 discharged from the container 201.

[0082] For example, when consuming a fluid 300 heated by a heater 1 (1a, 1b), such as in a hot water device or a hot air device, a tank 301 for storing the heated fluid 300 and a nozzle 302 for ejecting the heated fluid 300 can be connected to the discharge pipe 201b of the container 201 via piping or the like.

[0083] Furthermore, when the fluid 300 is used as a heat medium, the heated fluid 300 can be supplied to the member 400 to be heated. For example, if the temperature of a battery mounted on an EV (Electric Vehicle) becomes too low, the rate of chemical reactions occurring within the battery slows down, and the amount of electricity that can be generated decreases. In such a case, the heated fluid 300 (e.g., coolant liquid) can be supplied to the outer wall of the battery, etc., to keep the temperature of the battery within an appropriate range.

[0084] Furthermore, when the fluid 300 is used as a heat transfer medium, the fluid 300 discharged from the member 400 (the fluid used to heat the member 400) can be collected and reused. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the fluid 300 discharged from the member 400 can be returned to the tank 202a. In this way, the fluid 300 circulates between the member 400 and the tank 202a, thereby reducing the consumption of the fluid 300 and reducing the power consumption of the heater 1 (1a, 1b) by reheating the high-temperature fluid 300.

[0085] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be implemented in combination with each other.

[0086] The following are additional notes regarding the above-described embodiment.

[0087] (Appendix 1) 1. A heater in contact with a flowing fluid, comprising: a plate-shaped base extending in a first direction; a heat generating portion provided on the base and extending in the first direction; a protective part that covers the heat generating part; a terminal electrically connected to the heat generating portion and exposed from the protective portion; an external wiring electrically connected to the terminal; a first sealing portion that covers the terminal and a connection portion between the terminal and the external wiring and has insulating properties; A heater equipped with:

[0088] (Appendix 2) the base comprises a metal; 2. The heater according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating portion provided between the base portion and the heat generating portion and the terminal.

[0089] (Appendix 3) at least one heater according to clause 1 or 2; a holder having a recess for receiving a portion of the heater near its end in the first direction; a second sealing portion provided inside the recess in which the vicinity of the end of the heater is accommodated; A heater module comprising:

[0090] (Appendix 4) 4. The heater module according to claim 3, wherein a first sealing portion provided on the heater and the second sealing portion are integrally provided.

[0091] (Appendix 5) a container having an internal space through which the fluid flows; at least one heater according to claim 1 or 2 and at least one heater module according to claim 3 or 4, disposed inside the container; A fluid heating device comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 heater, 1a heater, 1b heater, 10 base, 10a surface, 10b surface, 20 insulating part, 30 heat generating part, 40 wiring part, 50 protective part, 60 sealing part, 70 external wiring, 100 heater module, 101 holder, 101a recess, 102 sealing part, 200 fluid heating device, 201 container, 202 supply part, 203 controller, 300 fluid

Claims

1. 1. A heater in contact with a flowing fluid, comprising: a base portion having a plate shape and extending in a first direction; a heat generating portion provided on the base portion and extending in the first direction; a protective part that covers the heat generating part; a terminal electrically connected to the heat generating portion and exposed from the protective portion; an external wiring electrically connected to the terminal; a first sealing portion that covers the terminal and a connection portion between the terminal and the external wiring and has insulating properties; A heater comprising:

2. the base comprises a metal; 2. The heater according to claim 1, further comprising an insulating portion provided between the base portion and the heat generating portion and the terminal.

3. At least one heater according to claim 1 or 2; a holder having a recess for receiving a portion of the heater near its end in the first direction; a second sealing portion provided inside the recess in which the vicinity of the end of the heater is accommodated; A heater module comprising:

4. 4. The heater module according to claim 3, wherein the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion provided on the heater are integrally provided.

5. a container having an internal space through which the fluid flows; At least one heater module according to claim 3 disposed within the vessel; A fluid heating device comprising:

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